April 8, 2010
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M junior outfielder Kelsey Spittler was recently named an All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive time by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
From Caldwell, Texas, Spittler was nominated by Aggie strength and conditioning coach Raychelle Ellsworth and was recognized for her dedication to strength training and conditioning.
"Kelsey has matured into a consistent all-around athlete," said Ellsworth. She is a hard worker who leads by example and she gives her best every workout."
Spittler, who made a key diving catch yesterday which helped A&M to a 1-0 upset of No. 16 Texas, has started every game in left field this season and leads the team with three triples. In addition, she is having a career year at the plate, with a .295 batting average, 41 hits, 10 doubles, three home runs and 26 RBIs.
At the Women's College World Series in 2008, Spittler's RBI triple in the ninth inning against Florida advanced the Aggies to the national championship series.
Spittler is an English major who plans to be a strength and conditioning coach or a teacher and a softball coach after graduation.
The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year Award program is in its 32nd year. This year, the NSCA awarded 232 collegiate athletes from 106 schools with this esteemed award.
"The advantages of strength training and conditioning cannot be denied in collegiate athletics," said NSCA Executive Director Robert Jursnick. "These student-athletes attest to this understanding and are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication."